2 face charges after traffic stops

Two Columbus residents were arrested on multiple drug-related charges after Indiana State Police stopped their vehicle in rural Bartholomew County.

State troopers who are members of the Versailles All Crimes Policing Unit stopped the white Ford Edge at 9 p.m. Tuesday on Jonesville Road near Southern Crossing for a traffic violation, said Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, State Police spokesman.

Columbus police officer Jeremy Jones and his K9 went to the scene and the dog alerted to the odor of illegal drugs coming from the vehicle, he said.

During a search, troopers found methamphetamine, heroin, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and a stolen handgun, Wheeles said.

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The driver, Jermaine Ford, 32, of 919 Lafayette Ave., was arrested on charges of possession of a handgun by a serious violent felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft, Wheeles said.

A passenger, Tkieya Weaver, 26, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance, Wheeles said. She was also charged with resisting law enforcement, Wheeles said.

Columbus police assisted at the scene, he said.

Ford was being held in the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $45,000 bond, jail officials said.

Weaver was released from the jail after posting $5,000 bond, jail officials said.